Miami Marlins president David Samson is about to undergo a grueling challenge that will test his mental fortitude, creativity and physical stamina.
No, we're not talking about rebuilding the hapless Marlins. We're talking about competing on the popular reality show Survivor.
Local 10 Miami is reporting that Samson, 45, will be on the upcoming season of Survivor. Samson, who once ran a 52-mile double marathon and has also completed an Ironman event in Hawaii, is one of 18 contestants on the show.
The cast has not officially been released and while Local 10 was not able to confirm the news with Samson, he likely would not have been able to comment on it until CBS makes the cast names official for the 28th season of the show.
Along with owner Jeffrey Loria, Samson has engineered an image overhaul in Miami that included a new name, new uniforms and, perhaps most controversially, an expensive new stadium. In the wake of the team's struggles fans have repeatedly voiced their concerns with Samson, who has in turn promised that the team will make the playoffs in 2014. Miami has finished in last place in the NL East in each of the past three seasons.
Critics of Samson will likely be quick to cite that he should be a good fit for Survivor, given the show's eagerness to promote the angles of betrayal and deception.
Samson joins former coach Jimmy Johnson, infielder Jeff Kent and quarterback Gary Hogeboom as sports figures who have competed on the uber-popular reality show.
